Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know®

by Michael G. Raymer

Around 1900, physicists started to discover particles like electrons, protons, and neutrons, and with these discoveries believed they could predict the internal behavior of the atom. However, once their predictions were compared to the results of experiments in the real world, it became clear that the principles of classical physics and mechanics were far from capable of explaining phenomena on the atomic scale. With this realization came the advent of quantum physics, one of the most important intellectual movements in human history. Today, quantum physics is everywhere: it explains how our computers work, how lasers transmit information across the Internet, and allows scientists to predict accurately the behavior of nearly every particle in nature. Its application continues to be fundamental in the investigation of the most expansive questions related to our world and the universe.

However, while the field and principles of quantum physics are known to have nearly limitless applications, the fundamental reasons why this is the case are far less understood. In Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know, quantum physicist Michael G. Raymer distills the basic principles of such an abstract field, and addresses the many ways quantum physics is a key factor in today's science and beyond. The book tackles questions as broad as the meaning of quantum entanglement and as specific and timely as why governments worldwide are spending billions of dollars developing quantum technology research. Raymer's list of topics is diverse, and showcases the sheer range of questions and ideas in which quantum physics is involved. From applications like data encryption and quantum computing to principles and concepts like "quantum nonlocality" and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know is a wide-reaching introduction to a nearly ubiquitous scientific topic.

Genres: Science, Physics, Nonfiction, Quantum Mechanics, Audiobook, Popular Science

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Alexander Temerev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Correct and accessible!

This is a scientifically correct and effortless communication of basic principles of quantum systems behavior, together with explanations where the perceived intuitive difficulties of understanding come from, with carefully assembled illustrative examples. I don’t know any other book like that.

[Dmitry Khvatov · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite quote: "278934579879878927893789238967892689728976978099820978892738964786789709710970970917919488817818171987198641417014709237809740968619283740139812741240123126893169669169696969198623787192767983742989479358970998634562476852476893452345234534523450111768768231766234112312312312344124125126771288891299129989786142349237923471209741089274109686891236893968689681278389423894623793264195123562345623485723485"

[Shwetha Jayaraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually am not one for audio books and usually love to sit down and read. However, for this one, it serves as an exception to my pretty long standing rule. In fact, it even compelled me to write this post which might even be my first review on here! Listen to the audiobook! The narrator does a fantastic job and keeps great pace although of course, you can speed it up at areas you may already be aware of.

Highly recommend to everyone to listen to the audio book for a passive learning process making quantum mechanics a fun and actually enjoyable field for the curious cat!

[anthony neo · Rating 4 out of 5]

war is over

[Tino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for inducing a headache. An infinitely complex subject but highly interesting. 4 stars.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend lent me this book after a few rounds of lay person discussions of QM with other students at a Kung Fu class we attend. I have a BS in physics and can actually say I've studied QM, but readily confess that that merely counts as dipping my toes in the water (and it was 30 years ago), and was all math. Since then I've gotten back into the concepts in QM, mainly through (where else?) YouTube videos.

When I first saw this book, I assumed it would be kind of weak honestly, because I already knew that trying to explain QM to anyone is fraught with pitfalls, but without any math, it would rely too much on the typical metaphors and just end up being another 'reveal' for the uninitiated about the weird result of the double slit experiment.

Boy, was I wrong! He actually made certain fundamentals of QM much much clearer than they ever had been for me. It's a solid read for anyone really, though there are some difficult parts. Overall, I really gained a massive respect for his deep understanding while reading this book. I can honestly say it changed the way I look at the world.

[Angel 一匹狼 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you like quantum physics? Well, this is a book for you if you are interested in them, but don't know much about it. This book is an introduction on the topic of quantum physics, but, even if some pages get too stuffed with drawings and signs, it keeps things simple and easy to understand. If you have ever wanted to know more about the stuff but wasn't too sure about what all the fuzz is about, this is a very simple read to get to know some points.

Sadly, Raymer expends too much time on topics that are not as much interesting as time-travelling, or cloning or things like that and the book becomes boring in parts, because he lacks the engaging writing style of other hard-science writers (for example, the popular DeGrasse Tyson). It is not that his written is horrible, it is just not very engaging, and Raymer is not very good at creating funny examples.

Good if you have an interest in the topic (particularly around quantum computers). But not the best.

The best: easy to understand, it goes through a lot of stuff, quantum physics are fun

The worst: it is a little bit dry; the author hasn't the same engaging style as DeGrasse Tyson or Greene; the attempts are humor are poor; it stays for too long on boring topics like quantum encryption (it may be very useful and all that, but 30 pages at least about the topic...)

6.5/10

(English Original Version)

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Venturing Into The Quantumverse

Prepare to have your mind blown by this book!
This book takes you on an exhilarating journey into the mind-bending world of quantum physics, where reality becomes a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Raymer masterfully navigates the complex concepts of quantum physics, breaking them down into digestible explanations that even those without a scientific background can grasp. His passion for the subject shines through his writing, making the book both enlightening and entertaining.

Raymer covers a wide range of topics, such as quantum entanglement, providing a comprehensive overview of the field. His ability to explain intricate theories and experiments in a clear and concise manner is truly commendable.
Whether you're a curious novice or a seasoned science enthusiast, you'll find yourself captivated by the wonders of quantum physics.

What sets this book apart is its relevance to the present and future. Raymer explores the practical applications of quantum physics, such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography, and their potential to revolutionize technology. By shedding light on the cutting-edge advancements in the field, he demonstrates the profound impact quantum physics is poised to have on our lives.

While the subject matter can be mind-boggling, Raymer's writing style keeps you engaged and eager to learn more. He balances scientific rigor with relatable examples and analogies, ensuring that readers stay connected to the material without feeling overwhelmed.

In conclusion, Quantum Physics: What Everyone Needs to Know is a captivating and accessible exploration of one of the most mind-expanding scientific fields. Raymer's expertise and enthusiasm shine through, making this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of quantum physics.

Get ready to embark on an awe-inspiring journey into the quantum realm!

4.2/5

[R · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got about 2/3 of the way through and gave up. This book is sort of over complicated and dumbed down at the same time, making it unclear and confusing. A good example - and what made me give up - is the author’s explanation of Shor’s algorithm, or rather his introduction to it, which is to explain prime factoring. If you’re going to read this book, an explanation of prime factoring won’t require more than a sentence, but instead the author takes several pages of silly examples before he even gets to the key basic ideas (prime factors are used in RSA encryption; Shor’s algorithm is a quantum algorithm that can factorize quickly and thus break RSA encryption). Similarly, he’ll go through, ad nauseam, the construction of every single experiment, instead of focusing on and explaining the conclusions.

Basically the author idiotically overexplains without focusing on the most salient points. I learned nothing from this book.

[Edmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best explanations of Quantum Theory I’ve read in 40 years

Very clear and relatively simple examples.
Yet covers a broad aspect of the theory.
Important principles are reiterated where needed, so we don’t have to search back.
Logic develops from simpler to more complex rather than the historical evolution, which sometimes may make the “big picture” harder to grasp.
Anyone with curiosity and Highschool level of Math, can follow and understand.

[Albertonajarro]

If you plan on taking a look at it, I would recommend you to read it instead of listening to the audiobook—as I did. Keeping track of some details and imaging what the narrator said was challenging at times. Additionally, I would say that it the book’s content will be easier to digest if you have some science background.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly I still feel a bit lost on the quantum sauce, but this book does a great job of outlining the basic principles, theories, and technologies of quantum physics. If you're looking for an introduction that tries to explain things for the layman while still being somewhat academic, this is a good choice.

[Bob Raichle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned something

I won't pretend that I understood all of this, despite Dr. Raymer's best efforts to explain things to a layman, but I know more about quantum physics than I used to.

[Matt Bader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recognized *most* of the words but was foolish to think I’d understand the order in which they were used in a book on quantum physics.

If we’re being honest I probably listened to this book to make my Goodreads friends think I was smart.

Don’t be fooled. I am not.

[Lars Billbäck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, though I will need to go through it again at some point - audiobooks do not lend themselves easily to illustrations and schematics, and rather chunky sequences of numbers (be they binary or regular) are also a bit rougher on the ears than on the eyes...

[Eliot Hanrio · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an excellent book in terms of content and depth, but as an audio book it was hard to follow sometimes. Lots of technicalities that might be too much for someone not versed in quantum Physics at all. Excellent otherwise!

[Keyvan Masajedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction. Simple yet precise.

[MIDHUN M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives about the idea about the applications and it explains the inner working of quantum physics itself.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even when people try to break quantum physics down, they can't help but make it much too complex for laypeople.

[Vincent V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative opening to the subject!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job clarifying some of the more difficult and non-intuitive aspects of quantum physics.

[BrighamBH · Rating 2 out of 5]

took quantum physics this term and this was our textbook, pretty thought provoking stuff but man did i hate this class

[Anthony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun. Interesting. However, a bit too much like a text book to be great.

[LDS · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure the author's intended audience, just that it wasn't me.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that explains the practical side of Quantum Physics, its usefulness. What brings pause in this area of science, admitted by the author at the beginning of the book, is that physicists do not know the WHY behind quantum physics, only "that's the way it is." (pp. 4-5)